SUPPORT for the change of dates for the 2016 Great Dorset Steam Fair has generally been very positive, according to organisers.

It was announced in November that the date for the fair at the Tarrant Hinton Showground was changing, to avoid clashing with the new school term and other big events, and to encourage more visitors.

The change of dates to Thursday, August 25 to Bank Holiday Monday August 29 has ‘surpassed all expectations’ according to Managing Director Martin Oliver.

He said: “In spite of a small degree of negative reaction, the overall response to the change of dates has been positive with bookings for both trade and exhibition space surpassing even our expectations.

“Traders are especially pleased that we will open for business during the school summer break especially the August bank holiday ensuring that families can attend on-block for the whole five days of the event.”

Mr Oliver stressed that not all schools countrywide are on holiday at the same time but crucially those in North Dorset and surrounding counties all return on September 1.

He added: “Due mainly to the 2015 show falling within school term-time the overall footfall was down with families unable to attend on the first three days of the event.

“We have now addressed this problem and with a national advertising campaign coupled with the fact that the Great Dorset is the premier show of its kind in the world we are aiming for a visitor count in excess of 200,000 for 2016.

“This year we will not clash with the Dorchester Show, the Bournemouth Air Show or the giant Beaulieu Jumble each which attracts thousands of visitors annually.”

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is the largest of its kind in the world. It regularly features more than 100 steam and fairground engines with thousands of smaller exhibits.

For more information about the event see the website gdsf.co.uk

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